Thursday, September 4, 2014

(Muskegon, MI)- After three action packed days and eleven exciting
races, Bill Wildner and the Crew of MR BILL’s WILD RIDE captured their
4th J/35 North American Championship title this past weekend at Muskegon
Yacht Club in Muskegon Michigan. Bill credits his steady and loyal crew
who have been with him through all four Championship campaigns. The
boat was perfectly prepared, the sails were crispy, and the crew work
was flawless! Ed Bayer and the crew of FALCON (also four-time NA
winners) placed second and Bruce Metcalf and the crew of BOZO’s CIRCUS, a
last minute entry, rounded out the podium placing third.

For the three day weekend, the sailing conditions were outstanding with
steady breezes of 8-10 knots, making it easy for the race committee to
bang out all eleven races and get everyone back to the dock early every
day for refreshments, story-telling enhanced by multiple refreshments
(mostly exaggerations and extraordinary embellishments— a.k.a. sea
stories), and really good BBQ food.

Race Chairman and Class President, Larry Taunt commented that, "the J/35
fleet has an outstanding group of owners and crew. The racing was
intense with ridiculously close crossings, and all the boats finishing
within seconds of each other. The level of competition is simply
outstanding. On shore, we have almost as much fun as the Muskegon Yacht
Club provided great food, drink, atmosphere, and a pool to cool everyone
off. I wish we could do this every weekend!"

This was the 30th J/35 North American Championship Regatta and while the
fleet is aging, this venerable design is still very competitive around
the country and provides an excellent competition when they get together
to play. In fact, during the NA’s, the J/35 owners held a J/35 Class
Association meeting- it was recorded as a “webinar” which can be found
at http://www.j35.org

The fleet is working hard to re-build the J/35 Class association. This
year’s NA’s and this meeting were the first big steps in this process.
The J/35.org website has been updated, and they’ve added a J/35 Class Facebook page. For any J/35 owners that wish to contribute new energy, communication, and fresh ideas, be sure to let them know! For more J/35 North Americans sailing information